1. THE GREAT SCARECROW CONTEST Where/When: Cannon Park, downtown Canton; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Why Go: Get your creativity going and take your fully assembled scarecrow to Cannon Park. It will remain on display through Oct. 31. Awards, based on votes from the public, will be announced Oct. 29 at the Great Pumpkin Festival. Check out all the rules and regulations on the Canton city website. This event is sponsored by Canton Main Street Program. Pricing: Free 2. SOUTH CITY WINDS CONCERT Where/When: Falany Performing Arts Center, Waleska; 3 p.m. Sunday Why Go: Spend an afternoon …

1. An Evening of Guns and Roses Where/When: Cherokee Arts Center; today from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Why Go: Safety comes first and a women's self-defense course can help. The Canton Cherokee Business and Professional Women's Club is sponsoring this free seminar, taught by Bill Cain of the National Public Safety Coalition. For more information, call Glenda Hinton at 770-345-1751. Pricing: Free 2. Riverfest Where/When: Boling Park, Canton; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Why Go: It's a sure sign of fall in Canton when the Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival comes …

1. CHEROKEE COUNTY FAIR Where/When: Cherokee County Fairgrounds, 160 McClure St., Canton; Gates open at 5 p.m. today and Friday; 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Why Go: There's so much to see and do at a county fair and this one is no exception. Amusement rides, shows and agricultural exhibits are just some of the attractions. The seventh annual Miss Cherokee County Fair Pageant is on Saturday with special guest Michaela Grace Lackey, Miss Georgia 2011. Get out and enjoy your county fair. Pricing: $4 general admission; $1 seniors and children 6-12; children under 6 admitted free 2. ATHENS GUITAR …

1. OPEN MIC NIGHT Where/When: Cherokee Arts Center, Canton; today from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Why Go: There's just one night a month when you can showcase your talent in front of a live audience at the arts center. Whether it's music, fiction, art, poetry or drama, there's never a dull moment at this gathering. There's coffee available for a donation, courtesy of It's A Grind. Sign up at the door or call ahead to reserve a spot. Pricing: Free 2. OZARK JUBILEE Where/When: Falany Performing Arts Center, Reinhardt University, Waleska; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Why Go: Doofus Doolittle and his …

1. National Library Card Signup Month Where/When: Sequoyah Regional Libraries; September 1-30. Why Go: A library card is a beautiful thing. It opens doors to books, movies, art and more. If you haven't checked out your local library lately, now's the time. Get out and sign up for your card at any of the Sequoyah libraries. Pricing: Free 2. Cagle's Corn Maize Opening Where/When: Cagle's Family Farm, 355 Stringer Rd., Canton; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Why Go: It's a sure sign of fall when the corn maize opens. Get out and get lost in the fun. Besides the …

1. Shriners Parade Where/When: Downtown Canton; Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Why Go: Who doesn't love a parade? And the Shriners will show you a good time for a good cause. So grab the kids and go downtown in plenty of time to get a good spot for viewing. Pricing: Free 2. Movies In The Park Where/When: Brown Park; 8:15 p.m. Saturday Why Go: Watching "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" on the big outdoor screen in the park is a great way to spend a Saturday night with the whole family. Bring blankets, chairs, Grandma and Grandpa, too. Pricing: Free 3. Canton Theatre Gospel Series Concert: …

1. Cherokee High School Football Game Where/When: North Forsyth High School, 3635 Coal Mountain Rd., Cumming; 7:30 p.m. Friday Why Go: It's Friday night. It's football. It's fall. Well, it's almost fall. Cheer for the guys of the gridiron and support the Warriors as they open their season in Cumming. Pricing: General admission 2. Nunsense Where/When: Elm Street Arts Center, 8534 Main St., Woodstock; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday Why Go: Mother Superior and her order of eccentric but endearing nuns will show you the lighter side of being Catholic. Hilarious dance numbers, …

1. Open Mic Night Where/When: Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton; 7 p.m. today. Why Go: Showcase that talent you've been hiding, in front of a live— but friendly—audience. Sponsored by It's A Grind, you never know what an open mic night might be. Singing, drama, visual arts or poetry could be on tap for the night. Coffee is available for a donation. You can sign up in advance or just sign up when you get there, bring friends and family or go it alone and meet new friends. Pricing: Free 2. Tickle Your Senses: How To Create A Nighttime Garden Where/When: Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne …

1. Dog Days of Summer Where/When: Cherokee County Animal Shelter, 1015 Univeter Road; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Why Go: Beat the heat at the coolest place in town and adopt an adult animal for free. There will be food, fun and some great animals looking for a good home. The free adoption is only on Saturday with a limit of one per household so don't miss out on this deal. Pricing: Free 2. American Red Cross Blood Drive Where/When: G. Cecil Pruett Community Center YMCA, 151 Waleska Street, Canton; today from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Why Go: You can save someone's life with the precious gift of …

1. MASTER GARDENERS SEMINAR: WET GARDENING Where/When: Cherokee County Senior Center; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Why Go: Improving those wet, damp spots in your yard is a great idea. You will make a tabletop bog garden and learn some new techniques for gardening at home. Pricing: Free, but seating is limited. Call ahead for reservations. 2. AMERICANAFEST Where/When: Tanglewood Farm, Canton; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Why Go: It's the last weekend to enjoy the patriotic flavor of the farm for the month of July. Kids can pet and feed over 100 miniature farm animals and …

1. MOVIES IN THE PARK Where/When: Brown Park, Downtown Canton; 8:30 p.m. Saturday Why Go: The great classic movie "Rio" will be showing for a great family time under the stars. Bring blankets, chairs, family and friends for a Saturday night treat sponsored by the City of Canton. Pricing: Free 2. ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT Where/When: Falany Performing Arts Center, Reinhardt University, Waleska; Friday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Why Go: You will hear classic music from a Grammy Award-winning orchestra in the Falany's season opening concert. And that's worth the drive to Waleska for family …

1. Open Mic Night Where/When: Cherokee Arts Center, Canton; 7 p.m. today Why Go: It's your chance to perform in front of a live audience. Showcase your talent whether it be music, poetry, drama, fiction or visual art. You can just walk in and sign up or call ahead. Take friends or go solo and meet new ones. It's A Grind Coffee House provides coffee for a donation. Pricing: Free 2. Dance Party Where/When: Cherokee Rhythm and Smooth, Canton; 7:30 p.m. Friday Why Go: There's a dance lesson to be learned and then the fun begins. Learn a new move or two and enjoy the party afterward. The lesson …

1. Rock Your Park Where/When: All Cherokee County and City of Canton parks; Saturday and Sunday during normal park operating hours Why Go: July is Parks and Recreation Month so get out and enjoy what the area has to offer: some great park facilities for the whole family. Be a "Park Rock Star." Parks all over the county and city are open every weekend for your use. Pricing: Free 2. Woodstock Summer Concert Series Where/When: City Park in Woodstock; Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Why Go: The world-renowned Midnight Star will take the stage in downtown Woodstock for this free concert sure…

1. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION Where/When: Cannon Park (diagonal to the Cherokee County Justice Center); 4 p.m. Monday Why Go: The festivities start with a real dog parade followed by a real human parade at 6 p.m. Bring your dog in its favorite outfit. There will be prizes for best outfit, funniest outfit, and the dog who looks most like its owner. The event is sponsored by the Canton Main Street Program and Regions Bank. After the parades, head to Riverstone at dusk for music and fireworks sponsored by Canton Tourism. Pricing: Free 2. AMERICANAFEST Where/When: Tanglewood Farm…

1. MEET AUTHOR LUIS CARLOS MONTALVAN Where/When: Yawn's Books and More, 2 p.m. Saturday Why Go: It isn't every day you can meet a New York Times bestselling author, a former Army captain, a hero of two tours in Iraq and the dog who saved him, all in one place. Luis Carlos Montalvan's book, Until Tuesday, makes for one incredible and inspirational story. Don't miss this chance to get your signed copy of the book and hear the story. Pricing: Free; Books for purchase 2. CHOOSING GREEN FESTIVAL Where/When: Cannon Park (diagonal to the Cherokee County Justice Center), Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m…

1. THIRD FRIDAY STROLL Where/When: Canton Historic Downtown Loop, Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Why Go: Downtown merchants will have extended hours so get out, browse the shops, and enjoy live music and refreshments. Pricing: Free 2. GOIN' TO THE DOGS CHILI COOK OFF Where/When: Brown Park, Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Why Go: The taste of some mighty fine chili is reason enough, not to mention a car show, a chili dog contest, free canine and human wellness checkups, and music by 94.9 The Bull Radio. And it's all for a good cause: the Cherokee County Humane Society. Chili tasting begins at …

1. OPEN MIC NIGHT Where/When: Cherokee Arts Center, today from 7 to 9 p.m. Why Go: It's your chance to shine and showcase your particular talent, whether it's music, drama, poetry, fiction or art. Just sign up when you arrive and let go. Enjoy coffee provided by It's A Grind. For more information, email tjacochran@gmail.com. Pricing: Free, but donations will be accepted for coffee. 2. MASTER GARDENERS SEMINAR: COMPOSTING, VERMICULTURE AND GROWING MUSHROOMS Where/When: Cherokee Senior Center, Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Why Go: You will learn the basics of turning yard waste and kitchen …

1. CANTON FARMERS MARKET Where/When: Canton Historic Downtown Loop, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday Why Go: Homegrown goodies and handcrafted items make the market an every week stop. Support the local farmers and artisans and take home local farm fresh produce. Pricing: Free 2. FATHERFEST Where/When: Tanglewood Farm, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Why Go: Dads get in free during the whole month of June. Take the kids for a family outing and let them pet and feed over 100 miniature farm animals. Pricing: Free admission for kids under one year old; $10 for…

1. BOOK CLUB MEETING Where/When: Yawn's Books and More, 6 p.m. today Why Go: If you're a fan of author Jodi Picoult, you'll enjoy a discussion of her book House Rules. Now's your chance to join a book club and meet other book lovers. Pricing: Free 2. KARAOKE NIGHT Where/When: Sidelines Grille, 8 p.m. today Why Go: American Idol has wrapped up another season, so get out and try it yourself. Go solo. Form a duo. Or, sing as a whole ensemble. It's bound to be a good time. Pricing: Free admission 3. ALICE IN WONDERLAND Where/When: Canton Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday Why …

1. THIRD FRIDAY STROLL Where/When: Canton Historic Downtown Loop, Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Why Go: Downtown merchants will have extended hours so get out, browse the shops, and enjoy live music and refreshments. It will be a great Canton Festival of the Arts Eve. Pricing: Free 2. CANTON FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Where/When: Brown Park, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Why Go: Get out and enjoy the art and literature available in Canton for the weekend. Besides the popular Artist Market, there's the Literary Celebration sponsored by Yawn's Books & More. It will feature booksignings …